Numerical hydrodynamic and thermal analysis of laminar flow in curved elliptic and rectangular ducts

The complete forms of the Navier-Stokes and energy conservation equations are solved for a steady, fully developed, incompressible laminar flow with constant physical properties in ducts with elliptic or rectangular cross section. The equations are solved using the finite volume method with a boundary fitted coordinate system. The curvature ratio, which is included in the conservation equations, is kept constant. Solutions are obtained for several flow rates (Dean number between 30 and 400) and cross sections (ellipses and rectangles with aspect ratio between 0.7 and 1.4). The axial and secondary velocities and temperature profiles, the heat transfer and pressure drop are analysed. Results are compared with the literature for validation of the numerical approach. (C) Elsevier, Paris.